US8303262B1 - Wheeled, manually moveable trash pump - Google Patents

Abstract

A wheeled, manually movable, internal combustion engine powered trash pump is mounted in a rigid frame formed of tubular steel elements. A pair of aligned wheels is pivotally mounted independently to each opposite side of the frame. Each pair of aligned wheels is provided with a pivot pin mechanism that enables the rear wheels to be lifted off the ground to facilitate pivoting the unit on the front wheels. Each pair of aligned wheels is selectively detachable from the frame to facilitate shipping. The internal combustion engine is mounted toward the front end of the frame. The upper front portion of the frame houses a fuel tank completely within the outline of the frame, and the tank holds more than two gallons of fuel.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit to the following U.S. provisional patent applications: Ser. No. 61/148,579 filed Jan. 30, 2009; Ser. No. 61/151,276 filed Feb. 10, 2009; Ser. No. 61/218,292 filed Jun. 18, 2009; Ser. No. 61/231,816 filed Aug. 6, 2009; and Ser. No. 61/242,058 filed Sep. 14, 2009, the complete disclosures of each of the foregoing applications being hereby incorporated herein by this reference for all purposes.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

N/A

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This application pertains to trash pumps that are powered by an internal combustion engine and that have wheels by which they can be moved manually.

Trash pumps are known, and many examples can be found, including the one described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,063,849, which by this reference is hereby incorporated herein for all purposes. Trash pumps powered by an internal combustion engine also are known, and many examples can be found, including those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,129,402; 4,419,048 and 6,471,476; the complete disclosures of each of the foregoing patents being hereby incorporated herein by this reference for all purposes. But these pumps are stationary.

A typical wheeled trash pump is mounted in a frame, which carries both the pump and the internal combustion engine (whether powered by diesel fuel or gasoline) that powers the pump, and the fuel tank, which are the heaviest components. A pair of wheels can be rotatably mounted on an axle that typically will be mounted at one lower end of the front of the frame with a wheel on each opposite end of the axle that carries the front end of the frame and up to half the weight of the trash pump unit. Opposite the trash pump end of the frame having the axle and wheels, the rear end of the frame typically will have a pair of stationary vertical support legs to carry the other portion of the weight of the trash pump unit.

A rear handle typically will be mounted on the upper portion of the rear of the frame opposite the end of the frame where the wheels are mounted. The handle typically will be stationary and can be used to lift the stationary end of the frame and pull or push the trash pump unit on the two wheels at the front end of the frame.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a principal object of the present invention to provide an improved wheeled, manually movable, internal combustion engine powered trash pump unit that can operate continuously for about two and one-half hours on a single tank of fuel.

It is another principal object of the present invention to provide a wheeled, manually movable, internal combustion engine powered trash pump unit capable of being moved off-road to negotiate across relatively rough terrain.

It is a further principal object of the present invention to provide an improved wheeled, manually movable, internal combustion engine powered trash pump unit that quickly and easily can be partially disassembled for ease of shipment and storage and re-assembled once arriving on site for operation.

Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the description below.

To achieve the objects and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, a wheeled, manually movable, internal combustion engine powered (e.g., diesel or gasoline engine powered) trash pump is mounted in a rigid frame formed of tubular steel elements.

A pair of aligned wheels is pivotally mounted to each opposite side of the frame such that the pivot point will be disposed between the front end of the frame and the center of gravity of the overall unit. Each pair of aligned wheels quickly and easily can be disassembled from the frame for ease of shipment and storage and quickly and easily re-assembled to the frame once arriving on site for operation. Each of the ends of the rear legs on the rear edge of the main floor panel of the trash pump unit's frame desirably carries a support cushion that enables one trash pump unit to be stacked on top of another trash pump unit during shipping and storage.

A retractable twin grip handle desirably is mounted to the upper portion of the rear end of the frame to facilitate pulling the trash pump unit past obstacles that rise above or dip below level terrain. A lifting pivot pin desirably can be provided on each of the left and right wheel supports to facilitate lifting the rearwardly facing wheels in order to negotiate elevated obstacles and to facilitate pivoting the trash pump unit left and right on the frontmost wheels. A retractable front handle desirably is mounted to the upper portion of the front end of the frame to facilitate lifting the trash pump unit past obstacles that cannot be negotiated with the wheels.

The internal combustion engine (diesel or gasoline) and the pump desirably are mounted on a main floor panel that is carried by the frame. The internal combustion engine desirably is mounted toward the front end of the frame above the two pairs of aligned wheels, and the pump desirably is mounted toward the rear end of the frame. The fuel tank desirably is mounted above the engine and has a fill cap on top of the fuel tank. The fill cap desirably has a mechanism to lock the cap to the fuel tank. The upper front portion of the frame houses the fuel tank completely within the outline of the frame, and the upper surface of the fuel tank desirably is disposed beneath the uppermost elements of the frame.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate at least one presently preferred embodiment of the invention as well as some alternative embodiments. These drawings, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention but by no means are intended to be exhaustive of all of the possible manifestations of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an elevated perspective view from above the rear end of a presently preferred embodiment of the wheeled, manually movable, internal combustion engine powered trash pump of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the front end of a presently preferred embodiment of the wheeled, manually movable, internal combustion engine powered trash pump of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an elevated perspective view of the left side of a partially assembled, presently preferred embodiment of the wheeled, manually movable, internal combustion engine powered trash pump of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an elevated perspective view of the right side of a presently preferred embodiment of the wheeled, manually movable, internal combustion engine powered trash pump of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an elevated perspective view of the left side of a presently preferred embodiment of the wheeled, manually movable, internal combustion engine powered trash pump of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the rear end of a presently preferred embodiment of the wheeled, manually movable, internal combustion engine powered trash pump of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a plan view from above a partially assembled, presently preferred embodiment of the wheeled, manually movable, internal combustion engine powered trash pump of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a plan view from beneath a partially assembled, presently preferred embodiment of the wheeled, manually movable, internal combustion engine powered trash pump of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an elevated perspective view of an assemblage of components of an embodiment of a wheel assembly of a presently preferred embodiment of the wheeled, manually movable, internal combustion engine powered trash pump of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an elevated perspective view of an assemblage of components of an embodiment of a wheel assembly of a presently preferred embodiment of the wheeled, manually movable, internal combustion engine powered trash pump of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an elevated perspective view of the left and right lower rails of a presently preferred embodiment of the wheeled, manually movable, internal combustion engine powered trash pump of the present invention.

FIG. 12A is an elevated perspective view of the front left side of a section of a presently preferred embodiment of the wheeled, manually movable, internal combustion engine powered air compressor of the present invention.

FIG. 12B is an elevated perspective view of the front right side of a section of a presently preferred embodiment of the wheeled, manually movable, internal combustion engine powered air compressor of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is an elevated perspective view from the rear right side of a presently preferred embodiment of the wheeled, manually movable, internal combustion engine powered trash pump unit of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a plan view from the left side of components of a partially assembled embodiment of the wheeled, manually movable, internal combustion engine powered trash pump unit of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a plan view from the right side of components of a partially assembled embodiment of the wheeled, manually movable, internal combustion engine powered trash pump unit of the present invention.

FIG. 16A is an elevated perspective view of assembled components of a presently preferred embodiment of a wheeled, manually movable, internal combustion engine powered air compressor unit of the present invention.

FIG. 16B is an elevated perspective view of assembled components of a presently preferred embodiment of a wheeled, manually movable, internal combustion engine powered air compressor unit of the present invention.

FIG. 16C is an elevated perspective view of assembled components of a presently preferred embodiment of a wheeled, manually movable, internal combustion engine powered air compressor unit of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference now will be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, several examples of which being illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, which is not restricted to the specifics of the examples. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment, can be used on another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover such modifications and variations as come within the scope of what could be claimed and equivalents thereof. The same numerals are assigned to the same components throughout the drawings and description.

One of the presently preferred embodiments of the wheeled, manually movable, internal combustion engine powered trash pump unit is shown inFIG. 1 and is represented generally by the numeral15. The wheeled, manually movable, internal combustion engine poweredtrash pump unit15 desirably can include a rigid frame generally designated by the numeral20, apump30, aninternal combustion engine40 that powers thepump30, afuel tank60 for theengine40, anexhaust muffler42 for theengine40, and a pair ofdual wheel assemblies11,31. As shown inFIG. 2, thetrash pump unit15 also desirably can include an air filter for theengine40, which desirably is provided by a six horsepower gasoline fueled internal combustion engine. Thepump30 desirably can move 15,840 gallons of water per hour between the pump'sinlet30aoutlet30b, which are identified inFIG. 3 for example.

Theframe20 desirably is formed of 16 gauge tubular steel elements. In the views shown inFIGS. 3,7-11,14 and15, some of the components of the wheeled, manually movable, internal combustion engine poweredtrash pump unit15 are shown pulled away from theframe20. As shown inFIGS. 1 and 3, theframe20 desirably is divided into arear end21 and afront end22 disposed opposite therear end21. The frame's longest dimension is the frame's length, and the frame's length elongates in the frame's longitudinal or axial direction between therear end21 and thefront end22. When thetrash pump unit15 is resting on the ground on the frame'srear legs16a,16band on the wheels of thetrash pump unit15 as inFIG. 3 for example, the frame's height is the frame's measurement in the vertical direction above the ground. The remaining rectilinear measurement of the frame is the frame's width, which is measured orthogonally with respect to the frame's length and height and extends in the transverse direction.

As shown inFIGS. 4 and 15, the lower portion of the frame desirably includes aright bottom rail23 having a rear end connected to or unitary with a lower end of a rightrear upright member21a, which has an upper end connected to or unitary with the rear end of a righttop rail25a. The opposite or front end of the righttop rail25adesirably can be connected to or unitary with the upper end of aright front member22a, and the opposite or lower end of theright front member22adesirably can be connected to or unitary with the front end of theright bottom rail23.

As shown inFIGS. 3,5 and14, the lower portion of the frame can include aleft bottom rail24 having a rear end connected to or unitary with the lower end of a leftrear upright member21b, which has an upper end connected to or unitary with the rear end of a lefttop rail25b. The front end of the lefttop rail25bdesirably can be connected to or unitary with the upper end of aleft front member22b, and the opposite or lower end of theleft front member22bdesirably can be connected to or unitary with the front end of theleft bottom rail24.

As shown inFIG. 3 for example, a retractable,rear handle19 is pivotally mounted to be extendable from the upper portion of therear end21 of theframe20. Therear handle19 can include at least onecross brace19cconnecting a right grip handle19athat extends parallel to and spaced apart from a left grip handle19b. As shown inFIG. 3 for example, one end of the right grip handle19ais pivotally mounted to the upper end of the rightrear upright member21aof the frame, and one end of the left grip handle19bis pivotally mounted to the upper end of the leftrear upright member21bof the frame. Though not shown inFIG. 3, therear handle19 can be retracted from its fully horizontally extended orientation (shown inFIG. 3) to a position (not shown inFIG. 3) whereby therear handle19 lies flush with therear end21 of theframe20, and the right grip handle19arests against the rightrear upright member21aand the left grip handle19brests against the leftrear upright member21b. The ability of thehandle19 to assume the fully retracted position against therear end21 of theframe20 facilitates storage of an individualtrash pump unit15 and shipment of multipletrash pump units15 together.

As shown in the perspective view ofFIGS. 1,2 and6, the top plan view ofFIG. 7 and the bottom plan view ofFIG. 8, the frame desirably can include amain floor panel29. As shown in the rear perspective view ofFIG. 6 and the bottom plan view ofFIG. 8, themain floor panel29 desirably has a right edge connected to theright bottom rail23 and a left edge connected to theleft bottom rail24. As shown in the perspective view ofFIG. 1, themain floor panel29 carries theinternal combustion engine40 and thepump30. As shown inFIG. 1, theinternal combustion engine40 and thefuel tank60 desirably are mounted toward thefront end22 of theframe20 and above the twowheel assemblies11,31, and thepump30 of thetrash pump unit15 desirably is mounted toward therear end21 of theframe20 between thewheel assemblies11,31 and the rear legs16. As shown inFIG. 2 for example, themain floor panel29 also carries the engine'sair filter41.

As shown inFIG. 6, the upper end of the rightrear leg16ais connected (as by welding or by selectively detachable mechanical fasteners for example) to the right side of therear edge29aof themain floor panel29, and the upper end of the leftrear leg16bis connected to the left side of therear edge29aof themain floor panel29. As shown inFIG. 6 for example, eachrear leg16a,16bdesirably is provided with asupport cushion43 fixed at the free end of eachrear leg16a,16b. During shipping of multipletrash pump units15, it is desirable to be able to rest onetrash pump unit15 on top of anothertrash pump unit15 without fear that thetrash pump unit15 underneath will become damaged by thetrash pump unit15 stacked above. Moreover, it is desirable that such stacking can be effected without fear that thetrash pump unit15 stacked above will slide with respect to thetrash pump unit15 stacked below. Accordingly, eachsupport cushion43 desirably is formed of resilient, high friction material to rest against the upper frame of atrash pump unit15 stacked underneath.

Theright wheel assembly11 and theleft wheel assembly31 are mirror images of each other, and thus for the sake of brevity, most of the detailed description will be directed to theleft wheel assembly31.FIG. 10 illustrates an elevated perspective view of aleft wheel support32 before the wheels are attached and before theleft wheel support32 is pivotally attached to the lowerleft rail24 of theframe20. As shown inFIG. 10 for example, aleft wheel support32 desirably includes an outerleft wheel support32aand an innerleft wheel support32b. The innerleft wheel support32bdesirably can be formed by a length of rectangular cross-section extrusion of 18 gauge cold rolled, tubular steel having about a 60,000 psi rating. As shown inFIG. 10, each opposite end of the innerleft wheel support32bdesirably can be sealed by anend cap32cthat is press fit onto the open end of the tubular extrusion that desirably forms the innerleft wheel support32b, and theend cap32cdesirably is formed of plastic or rubber. As shown inFIG. 10 for example, in a presently preferred embodiment, the innerleft wheel support32bhas a height of about three inches measured between thelower edge32dand theupper edge32e, a length of about thirteen and three-quarters inches measured between the opposite ends, and a thickness or depth of about one inch measured orthogonally with respect to each of the height and length.

As shown inFIG. 10 for example, oneend36aof afront wheel axle36 can be permanently attached (as by welding for example) to the innerleft wheel support32b, and oneend37aof arear wheel axle37 can be permanently attached (as by welding for example) to the innerleft wheel support32b. In a presently preferred embodiment, eachwheel axle36,37 desirably is made of steel and has a diameter of about five-eighths of an inch, and the central axis of rotation of eachwheel axle36,37 desirably is disposed about five-eighths of an inch above thelower edge32dof the innerleft wheel support32band the central axes of the twowheel axles36,37 desirably are spaced about twelve and three-eighths inches apart and centered with respect to the ends of the innerleft wheel support32b.

FIG. 9 illustrates disassembled components of aleft wheel assembly31 before thewheels33,34 are attached and before the innerleft wheel support32bis pivotally attached to the lowerleft rail24 of theframe20. As shown in the perspective view ofFIG. 9 for example, components of aleft wheel assembly31 can include twoleft wheels33,34 rotatably mounted to the innerleft wheel support32b. In a presently preferred embodiment, eachwheel33,34 is formed of solid rubber and has a diameter of about ten inches and a tread that is about three and three-eighths of an inch wide. As shown inFIG. 9 for example, the two left wheels include a frontleft wheel34 that is rotatably disposed on thefront wheel axle36 and a rearleft wheel33 that is rotatably disposed on therear wheel axle37. The frontleft wheel34 and the rearleft wheel33 desirably are aligned with each other such that the axis of rotation of eachwheel33,34 is spaced apart from and parallel to the axis of rotation of theother wheel33,34 in theleft wheel assembly31.

As shown inFIGS. 9 and 10 for example, a leftwheel assembly axle35acan be mounted permanently (as by welding for example) to the innerleft wheel support32b. In a presently preferred embodiment, the leftwheel assembly axle35ahas a diameter of about three-quarters of an inch and the central axis of rotation of the leftwheel assembly axle35ais disposed about two inches above thelower edge32dof the innerleft wheel support32b. In a presently preferred embodiment, the central axis of rotation of the leftwheel assembly axle35ais disposed equidistantly from each of the opposed ends of the innerleft wheel support32b. In a presently preferred embodiment, the central axis of rotation of the leftwheel assembly axle35ais disposed equidistantly from each of the axes of rotation of the front andrear axles36,37, which desirably are spaced apart at their central axes by about a foot. In a presently preferred embodiment, the central axes of rotation of the leftwheel assembly axle35aand the twowheel axles36,37 form an isosceles triangle in the plane of the innerleft wheel support32bas well as in any plane passing through all three axes in a manner normal to those axes.

Referring toFIGS. 9 and 10 for example, to assemble theleft wheel assembly31 for example, thefront wheel axle36 is passed through the front wheel bearing of thefront wheel34. Thefront axle36 then is inserted through thefront axle sleeve36b(FIG. 10), which desirably forms part of and projects from the inner surface of the outerleft wheel support32a, and then through the alignedconcentric opening36ein the outerleft wheel support32a. The free end of thefront axle36 is then secured by afastener36c, which desirably can be a washer that is press-fit onto the free end of thefront axle36. The free end of thefront wheel axle36 can be covered with acap36d. The same procedure can be followed for therear wheel33, therear wheel axle37, therear axle sleeve37bandconcentric opening37ein the outerleft wheel support32a, thefastener37cfor the free end of therear wheel axle37, and acap37d. When the components of theleft wheel assembly31 inFIG. 9 are fully assembled, a presently preferred embodiment of theleft wheel assembly31 desirably weighs about fifteen pounds. Alternatively, as shown inFIGS. 4 and 5 for example, the outerleft wheel support32aand outerright wheel support12acan be eliminated from the respectiveleft wheel assembly31 andright wheel assembly11.

When theleft wheel assembly31 is so assembled, the axes of rotation of the front andrear axles36,37 are perpendicular to the parallel planes that define the outerleft wheel support32aand the innerleft wheel support32band parallel to the axis of rotation of the leftwheel assembly axle35a. Moreover, as shown inFIGS. 6 and 9 for example, the frontleft wheel34 and the rearleft wheel33 desirably are aligned with each other such that the axis of rotation of each wheel is spaced apart from and parallel to the axis of rotation of the other wheel in theleft wheel assembly31.

As shown inFIGS. 11 and 12A for example, a left wheel bearing18 is formed by a hollow cylindrical section of a stainless steel tube that is rigidly and permanently mounted (as by welding for example) to theupper surface24aof theleft bottom rail24 at the lower portion of the left side of theframe20. The left wheel bearing18 defines a cylindrically shaped opening18athat is configured to rotatably receive therein the leftwheel assembly axle35aof theleft wheel support32. In this way, as shown inFIG. 12A for example, theleft wheel assembly31 desirably is pivotally mounted to the lower left side of theframe20 toward thefront end22 of the frame so that theleft wheel assembly11 is constrained to pivot in a manner that maintains the two left wheels in the same plane during the pivoting movement.

As similarly shown inFIGS. 11 and 12B, a right wheel bearing17 is formed by a hollow cylindrical section of a stainless steel tube that is rigidly and permanently mounted (as by welding for example) to theupper surface23aof theright bottom rail23 at the lower portion of the right side of theframe20. The right wheel bearing17 defines a cylindrically shaped opening17athat is configured to rotatably receive therein the rightwheel assembly axle15aof the innerright wheel support12b. In this way, theright wheel assembly11 desirably is pivotally mounted to the lower right side of theframe20 toward thefront end22 of the frame so that theright wheel assembly11 is constrained to pivot in a manner that maintains the two right wheels in the same plane during the pivoting movement.

A quick-disconnect member desirably is selectively connected to each wheel assembly and configured to selectively permit quickly disconnecting each respective wheel assembly from one side of the frame. As shown inFIG. 9, ahole35bis defined through the leftwheel assembly axle35anear the free end thereof, and thehole35bis configured to receive therein a quick-disconnect member in the form of acotter pin35c. As shown inFIG. 12A, after the leftwheel assembly axle35aof the innerleft wheel support32bis inserted through the opening18ain the left wheel bearing18, thecotter pin35cis inserted through thehole35bto complete the rotational attachment of the innerleft wheel support32bof theleft wheel assembly31 to the lowerleft rail24 of theframe20. As shown inFIG. 12B for example, acotter pin15csimilarly is used to complete the rotational attachment of the rightwheel assembly axle15aof the innerright wheel support12bof theright wheel assembly11 to theright bottom rail23 of theframe20. In this way, the user's selective removal or insertion of thecotter pin15cor35ceither releases or secures the respectivewheel assembly axle15a,35aand accordingly provides for quick disassembly or assembly, respectively, of therespective wheel assembly11,31 from and to theframe20 for ease of shipping and ease of re-assembly after shipping.

With reference toFIGS. 3,11,12A,12B and13 for example, the respective right wheel bearing17 that rotatably receives the rightwheel assembly axle15aof theright wheel assembly11 and the left wheel bearing18 that rotatably receives and supports the leftwheel assembly axle35aof theleft wheel assembly31 will be disposed between thefront end22 of theframe20 and the center of gravity of theoverall unit15, whether the trash pump'sfuel tank60 is full or empty. In a presently preferred embodiment, the central axis of the opening17adefined by the right wheel bearing17 desirably is disposed about six and five-eighths inches from the front edge of theright front member22aof theframe20 and about seventeen and one-half inches from the rear edge of the rightrear upright member21aof theframe20. The preferred disposition of the central axis of the opening18ais the mirror image of the location of the central axis of the opening17a. With these locations of the right and left wheelassembly sleeve bearings17,18, each of theright wheel assembly11 and leftwheel assembly31 will become pivotally mounted to theframe20 such that the pivot points at the centers of the axes of rotation of the respectivewheel assembly axles15a,35afacilitate maneuvering over rough terrain with a full tank of fuel without fear of thetrash pump unit15 tipping over thefront wheels14,34. Moreover, each of theright wheel assembly11 and theleft wheel assembly31 desirably pivots independently of the other wheel assembly. Thus, each of theright wheel assembly11 and leftwheel assembly31 can negotiate independently of each other over relatively raised obstructions or through depressions in the path.

As shown inFIG. 9, a short length of cylindrical steel tubing can be disposed as a left side pivot pin38ahaving one opposite end mounted (as by welding for example) to the innerleft wheel support32band extending in the same direction as and parallel to the leftwheel assembly axle35a. The left side pivot pin desirably38ahas a diameter of about one half inch. As shown inFIGS. 10 and 12A, the left side pivot pin38adesirably is surrounded by a cylindrically shapedrubber sleeve38 such that the combined diameter of the left side pivot pin38aandsleeve38 is about one inch. Similarly, as shown inFIG. 12B, a rightside pivot pin38bhas one opposite end mounted (as by welding for example) to the innerright wheel support32band extending in the same direction as and parallel to the rightwheel assembly axle15aand desirably is surrounded by a cylindrically shapedrubber sleeve38.

As shown inFIG. 10, the left side pivot pin38ais disposed between the leftwheel assembly axle35aand theend37aof therear wheel axle37 that is attached to the innerleft wheel support32b. In a presently preferred embodiment, the central axis of the left side pivot pin38ais disposed about two inches closer to the closer end of the innerleft wheel support32bthan the central axis of the leftwheel assembly axle35a. Moreover, the central axis of the left side pivot pin38ais disposed about one-quarter inch farther from thelower edge32dof the innerleft wheel support32bthan is the central axis of the leftwheel assembly axle35a. The relative positioning of theright pivot pin38band the rightwheel assembly axle15ain the right wheel support12 are the mirror images of the corresponding left pivot pin38aand the leftwheel assembly axle35ain theleft wheel support32.

As shown inFIGS. 12A and 12B for example, it is important that the pivot pins38a,38bbe disposed between thewheel assembly axles35a,15aand therear end21 of thetrash pump unit15. With this relative disposition of the pivot pins38a,38bin relation to the respectivewheel assembly axles35a,15aand theirrespective sleeve bearings18,17, for theaxles35a,15a, when thetrash pump unit15 is resting on all fourwheels34,33,14,13 as inFIGS. 12A and 12B for example, the lowermost surface of theannular rubber sleeve38 covering eachrespective pivot pin38a,38bof theleft wheel support32 and the right wheel support12 respectively, is desirably spaced vertically about three-eighths of an inch above theupper surfaces24a,23aof the corresponding bottom rails24,23.

As shown inFIGS. 11,12A,12B and16A for example, with each of the right and leftwheel assembly axles15a,35apivotally mounted in the respective right and leftwheel bearings17,18, thewheels33,34,13,14 of each of thewheel assemblies11,31 rest on the ground along with each of therear legs16a,16bof the frame. However, as shown inFIG. 16B for example, when therear end21 of the frame of the trash pump unit is lifted vertically away from theground66 using the dual rear handles19a,19b(not visible), and before eachrespective rubber sleeve38 of eachpivot pin38a,38bof theleft wheel support32 and the right wheel support12 respectively comes into contact with and engages theupper surface24a,23aof the frame'scorresponding bottom rail24,23, the support cushions43 on therear legs16a,16bare lifted off theground66 so that only therespective wheels33,34,13,14 remain in contact with theground66. In this way, when being pulled from therear handle19, and negotiating a relatively elevated section of the path on the left side of the frame for example, the rearright wheel13 can rise above the frontright wheel14 and then dip below the frontright wheel14 as the frame moves past the bump in the path while the frame maintains a relatively horizontal orientation during this transition past the bump. Similarly, the rearleft wheel33 can rise above the frontleft wheel34 and then dip below the frontleft wheel34 as the frame moves past the bump in the path while the frame maintains a relatively horizontal orientation during this relatively easy transition past the bump.

As shown inFIG. 16C for example, only when further lifting of the rear handles19a,19b(not visible) causes eachrespective rubber sleeve38 of eachpivot pin38a,38bof the leftinner wheel support32 and the right inner wheel support12 respectively to come into contact with and engage theupper surface24a,23aof the frame'scorresponding bottom rail24,23, do therear wheels33,13 become lifted away from contact with theground66. The upwardly tilted condition of therear wheels33,13 of thetrash pump unit15 is also illustrated in a left side plan view inFIG. 14 and in a right side plan view inFIG. 15. In so lifting therear wheels33,13 off the ground, it becomes easier for thetrash pump unit15 to be pivoted on just the twofront end wheels34,14 so that the entiretrash pump unit15 can be pivoted from side to side, left or right, on the twofront end wheels34,14.

As shown inFIG. 3 for example, a retractable front handle28 is mounted pivotally to the upper portion of thefront end22 of theframe20. One function of thisfront handle28 is to facilitate lifting of thetrash pump unit15 when necessary to negotiate past obstacles that cannot be negotiated solely by using therear handle19 to push or pull thetrash pump unit15 on thewheels13,14,33,34. As shown inFIG. 4, thefront handle28 can be retracted from its extended orientation shown inFIG. 3 to a position in which thefront handle28 lies flush with thefront end22 of theframe20. As shown inFIG. 3, thefront handle28 can include a rightfront arm28athat desirably extends parallel to and spaced apart from a leftfront arm28b. The rear end of the rightfront arm28acan be pivotally attached to the upper end of the frontright upright member22a, and the opposite or front end of the rightfront arm28acan be connected to or unitary with the right end of anend brace28c. The rear end of the leftfront arm28bcan be pivotally attached to the upper end of the frontleft upright member22b, and the opposite or front end of the leftfront arm28bcan be connected to or unitary with the left end of anend brace28c. The ability of thefront handle28 to assume the fully retracted position against thefront end22 of theframe20 facilitates storage of an individualtrash pump unit15 and shipment of multipletrash pump units15 together.

As shown in the top perspective view ofFIG. 1, the frame desirably can include atop cross brace27 having its opposite ends connected to one of the righttop rail25aand the lefttop rail25b. Though not shown inFIG. 1, an opening desirably is provided vertically through thetop cross brace27, and a threaded nut desirably can be welded to the underside of thetop cross brace27 so that the threaded opening in the nut is concentrically aligned with the opening through thetop cross brace27. The threaded nut also can be provided as a separate element, but in each case the threaded opening in the nut desirably is configured for selectively detachably receiving a threaded end of a bolt portion of alifting eye fixture82. The liftingeye fixture82 facilitates lifting thetrash pump unit15 with a crane. The liftingeye fixture82 is configured to be selectively detachable by being unscrewed from the threaded opening formed in the nut that attaches the liftingeye fixture82 to thetop cross brace27 and thus to theframe20. Detaching the liftingeye fixture82 facilitates the stacking of onetrash pump unit15 on top of anothertrash pump unit15, prior to shipping.

As shown inFIG. 3 for example, afuel tank60 for theengine40 desirably is mounted to the upper portion of thefront end22 of theframe20 above where theengine40 rests atop themain floor panel29 but beneath the frame'stop cross brace27. Afill cap63 of thefuel tank60 desirably has a mechanism to lock thecap63 to thefuel tank60. Thefill cap63 desirably is disposed below the uppermost elements of theframe20 such as thetop cross brace27, and thus theupper front portion22 of theframe20 houses thefuel tank60 completely within the outline of theframe20. Thefuel tank60 desirably has enough capacity to run theengine40 for up to about two and one half hours, a normal work session, and holds more than two gallons of fuel and desirably holds about 2.3 gallons of gasoline fuel.

As shown inFIGS. 10 and 12B for example, eachwheel lock70 desirably can be provided in the form of a U-shaped rod that has the two free ends. Each of the two free ends of eachwheel lock70 desirably can be opposed to one another and pivotally connected to one of the wheel assemblies. Each U-shaped rod defines an intermediate section disposed between the opposed free ends and the closed loop portion, and the intermediate section desirably is bent at an angle relative to the plane in which the closed loop portion of the U-shaped rod resides. When engaged as a wheel brake, the closed loop portion of thewheel lock70 contacts the respective rolling surface of thewheel33,34 and prevents the respective wheel from rotating in the direction toward the closed loop portion. When bothwheel locks70 are engaged to therespective wheels33,34, the left side oftrash pump unit15 is prevented from rolling forward or backward

While at least one presently preferred embodiment of the invention has been described using specific terms, such description is for illustrative purposes only, and it is to be understood that changes and variations may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

Claims (18)

1. A wheeled, manually movable, internal combustion engine powered trash pump, comprising:

a frame defining an axial direction and a transverse direction orthogonal to said axial direction, said frame further defining a front end and a rear end opposite said front end in said axial direction, the frame further defining a first side and a second side spaced apart in said transverse direction from said first side;

an internal combustion engine carried by said frame;

a fuel tank connected in communication with said engine and carried by said frame;

a pump carried by said frame and connected to said engine;

a first wheel assembly connected pivotally to said first side of said frame and rotatably carrying at least a first wheel;

a second wheel assembly connected pivotally to said second side of said frame and rotatably carrying at least a second wheel; and

wherein said first wheel assembly including a first pivot pin extending transversely from said first wheel assembly and disposed to engage said frame and lift one end of said first wheel assembly with respect to the ground when one end of said frame is lifted a predetermined distance above the ground.

2. An apparatus as inclaim 1, further comprising:

a first quick-disconnect member selectively connected to said first wheel assembly and configured to selectively permit quickly disconnecting said first wheel assembly from said first side of said frame.

3. An apparatus as inclaim 2, wherein said first quick-disconnect member is formed by a cotter pin and said first wheel assembly includes a first wheel assembly axle having a free end defining a hole configured to receive said cotter pin.

4. An apparatus as inclaim 1, wherein said first wheel assembly includes a first wheel assembly axle that is pivotally connected to the first side of the frame and the first pivot pin defines a central axis of symmetry that is disposed between the first wheel assembly axle and the rear end of the frame.

5. An apparatus as inclaim 1, wherein:

said first wheel assembly including a first front wheel rotatably mounted to said first wheel assembly and a first rear wheel rotatably mounted to said first wheel assembly, said second wheel assembly including a second front wheel rotatably mounted to said second wheel assembly and a second rear wheel rotatably mounted to said second wheel assembly.

6. An apparatus as inclaim 5, wherein:

said first front wheel of said first wheel assembly is spaced apart in said axial direction of said frame from said first rear wheel of said first wheel assembly.

7. A wheeled, manually movable, internal combustion engine powered trash pump, comprising:

a frame defining an axial direction and a transverse direction orthogonal to said axial direction, said frame further defining a front end and a rear end opposite said front end in said axial direction, the frame further defining a first side and a second side spaced apart in said transverse direction from said first side;

an internal combustion engine carried by said frame;

a fuel tank connected in communication with said engine and carried by said frame;

a pump carried by said frame and connected to said engine;

a first wheel assembly connected pivotally to said first side of said frame and rotatably carrying at least a first wheel;

a second wheel assembly connected pivotally to said second side of said frame and rotatably carrying at least a second wheel; and

said first wheel assembly including a first inner wheel support defining an outer side and an inner side disposed opposite said outer side, said first wheel assembly including a front wheel axle extending from said outer side of said first inner wheel support, said first wheel assembly including a rear wheel axle extending from said outer side of said first inner wheel support and spaced apart from said front wheel axle, said first wheel assembly including a first wheel assembly axle extending from said inner side of said first inner wheel support and extending in a transverse direction parallel to said front wheel axle and said rear wheel axle, said first wheel assembly axle being pivotally connected to said first side of said frame;

said second wheel assembly including a second inner wheel support defining an outer side and an inner side disposed opposite said outer side, said second wheel assembly including a front wheel axle extending from said outer side of said second inner wheel support, said second wheel assembly including a rear wheel axle extending from said outer side of said second inner wheel support and spaced apart from said front wheel axle, said second wheel assembly including a second wheel assembly axle extending from said inner side of said second inner wheel support and extending parallel to said front wheel axle and said rear wheel axle, said second wheel assembly axle being pivotally connected to said second side of said frame.

8. An apparatus as inclaim 7, wherein:

said first wheel assembly including a first pivot pin extending from said inner side of said first inner wheel support of said first wheel assembly and disposed closer to said rear wheel axle of said first wheel assembly than to said front wheel axle of said first wheel assembly; and

said second wheel assembly including a second pivot pin extending from said second inner side of said inner wheel support of said second wheel assembly and disposed closer to said rear wheel axle of said second wheel assembly than to said front wheel axle of said second wheel assembly.

9. An apparatus as inclaim 8, wherein:

said first pivot pin is disposed between the first wheel assembly axle and the rear end of the frame and said second pivot pin is disposed between the second wheel assembly axle and the rear end of the frame.

10. An apparatus as inclaim 1, further comprising:

a battery carried by said frame and electrically connected to said engine.

11. An apparatus as inclaim 1, further comprising:

a first wheel locking mechanism selectively disposable to prevent rotation of said first wheel, said first wheel locking mechanism including a U-shaped rod having two opposed free ends pivotally connected to said first wheel assembly.

12. An apparatus as inclaim 1, further comprising:

a rear handle selectively retractably mounted to the rear end of the frame.

13. An apparatus as inclaim 1, further comprising:

a front handle selectively retractably mounted to the front end of the frame.

14. An apparatus as inclaim 1, further comprising:

at least one top crossbrace extending transversely between said frame's first side and second side; and

a lifting eye fixture detachably connected to said top crossbrace.

15. An apparatus as inclaim 1, further comprising:

a pair of rear legs connected to said rear end of said frame, a pair of front legs spaced apart from said rear legs and connected to said frame, each of said legs having a free end, and each of said legs being provided with a respective support cushion connected to said respective free end of said respective leg.

16. A wheeled, manually movable, internal combustion engine powered trash pump, comprising:

a frame defining an axial direction and a transverse direction orthogonal to said axial direction, said frame further defining a front end and a rear end opposite said front end in said axial direction, the frame further defining a first side and a second side spaced apart in said transverse direction from said first side;

an internal combustion engine carried by said frame;

a fuel tank connected in communication with said engine and carried by said frame;

a pump carried by said frame and connected to said engine;

a first wheel assembly connected pivotally to said first side of said frame and rotatably carrying at least a first wheel;

a second wheel assembly connected pivotally to said second side of said frame and rotatably carrying at least a second wheel; and

a pair of rear legs connected to said rear end of said frame, a pair of front legs spaced apart from said rear legs and connected to said frame, each of said legs having a free end, and each of said legs being provided with a respective support cushion connected to said respective free end of said respective leg;

wherein each respective support cushion is formed of resilient, high friction material;

wherein said first wheel assembly including a first pivot pin extending transversely from said first wheel assembly and disposed to engage said frame and lift one end of said first wheel assembly and disposed to engage said frame and lift one end of said first wheel assembly with respect to the ground when one end of said frame is lifted a predetermined distance above the ground.

17. An apparatus as inclaim 15, wherein:

said first side of the frame includes a first wheel bearing and said first wheel assembly is connected pivotally to said first side of the frame via said first wheel bearing; and wherein one of said pair of front legs is connected to said first side of said frame at a location between said front end of said frame and said first wheel bearing.

18. A wheeled, manually movable, internal combustion engine powered trash pump, comprising:

a frame defining an axial direction and a transverse direction orthogonal to said axial direction, said frame further defining a front end and a rear end opposite said front end in said axial direction, the frame further defining a first side and a second side spaced apart in said transverse direction from said first side, said frame including at least one top crossbrace extending transversely between said frame's first side and second side;

a first wheel assembly and a second wheel assembly, said first wheel assembly being pivotally connected to said first side of said frame and said second wheel assembly being pivotally connected to said second side of said frame;

said first wheel assembly including a first front wheel rotatably mounted to said first wheel assembly and a first rear wheel rotatably mounted to said first wheel assembly, said second wheel assembly including a second front wheel rotatably mounted to said second wheel assembly and a second rear wheel rotatably mounted to said second wheel assembly;

said first wheel assembly including a first quick-disconnect member configured to selectively permit quickly disconnecting said first wheel assembly from said first side of said frame, said second wheel assembly including a second quick-disconnect member configured to selectively permit quickly disconnecting said second wheel assembly from said second side of said frame;

said first wheel assembly including an inner wheel support defining an outer side and an inner side disposed opposite said outer side, said first wheel assembly including a front wheel axle extending from said outer side of said inner wheel support, said first wheel assembly including a rear wheel axle extending from said outer side of said inner wheel support and spaced apart from said front wheel axle, said first wheel assembly including a first wheel assembly axle extending from said inner side of said inner wheel support and extending in a transverse direction parallel to said front wheel axle and said rear wheel axle;

said first wheel assembly including a first pivot pin extending from said inner side of said inner wheel support of said first wheel assembly and disposed closer to said rear wheel axle of said first wheel assembly than to said front wheel axle of said first wheel assembly;

said second wheel assembly including an inner wheel support defining an outer side and an inner side disposed opposite said outer side, said second wheel assembly including a front wheel axle extending from said outer side of said inner wheel support, said second wheel assembly including a rear wheel axle extending from said outer side of said inner wheel support and spaced apart from said front wheel axle, said second wheel assembly including a second wheel assembly axle extending from said inner side of said inner wheel support and disposed symmetrically with respect to said front wheel axle and said rear wheel axle;

said second wheel assembly including a second pivot pin extending from said inner side of said inner wheel support of said second wheel assembly and disposed closer to said rear wheel axle of said second wheel assembly than to said front wheel axle of said second wheel assembly;

a first wheel locking mechanism connected to said first wheel assembly and selectively disposable to prevent rotation of at least one of said first front wheel and said first rear wheel, said first including wheel locking mechanism a first U-shaped rod having two opposed free ends pivotally connected to said first wheel assembly and selectively disposable to prevent rotation of one of said first front wheel or said first rear wheel, said first U-shaped rod having a closed loop portion opposite the two free ends opposed to each other, said first U-shaped rod defining an intermediate section disposed between the opposed free ends and the closed loop portion, said intermediate section being bent at an angle relative to the plane in which the closed loop portion of the U-shaped rod resides;

an internal combustion engine carried by said frame and including a rotatable output shaft;

a battery carried by said frame and electrically connected to said engine;

a pump carried by said frame and connected to said rotatable output shaft of said engine;

a front handle selectively retractably mounted to the front end of the frame; and

a rear handle selectively retractably mounted to the rear end of the frame; and

a lifting eye fixture detachably connected to said top crossbrace.

Images